Apparatus For Adapting A Standard Skateboard To Add A Functional Scooter-Style Handlebar

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional scooter-style handlebar. Through the utilization of the components described herein, a user may convert any standard skateboard to a rolling-board device having a functional handlebar that is capable of receiving rotational force from the user to impact directional motion of the moving rolling-board device. In other words, a skateboard may be converted to a scooter in a manner that is simple and reversible. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes: a handlebar for stabilizing a user&#39;s balance and for receiving directional input from the user; a spindle for attaching to the truck of the skateboard; and a trunnion having a protruding neck forming a slot for receiving the spindle. An alternative embodiment may additional include a deck stiffener and/or a base plate, both of which may be utilized to reinforce the deck of the skateboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to skateboards and other rolling-board devices, and more particularly related to an apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional scooter-style handlebar. Through the utilization of the components described and disclosed herein, a user may convert any standard skateboard to a scooter having a functional handlebar that is capable of receiving rotational force from the user to impact directional motion of the moving rolling-board device.

A preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar includes a handlebar for stabilizing a user's balance and for receiving directional input from the user; a trunnion for attaching to a deck of the standard skateboard, wherein the trunnion includes a neck forming a slot for receiving a spindle and a trunnion flange forming one or more trunnion holes for receiving one or more mounting bolts, and wherein the spindle passes through the trunnion and attaches to the handlebar via a handlebar clamp. The spindle component includes a cylindrical protrusion having a size that allows the cylindrical protrusion to pass through the trunnion and rotate therein. The spindle component also includes a spindle flange forming one or more spindle holes for receiving one or more truck bolts.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention may additionally have a deck stiffener to stabilize and reinforce an upper surface of the deck of the rolling-board during use and/or a base plate to stabilize and reinforce a lower surface of the deck of the rolling-bard during use.

An exemplary methodology for converting a skateboard to add a functional scooter-style handlebar will now be described. To utilize the herein disclosed apparatus to convert a skateboard into a scooter-like rolling-board, a user can start by unmounting the truck from the front of an existing skateboard. The user can then place a deck stiffener onto the skateboard and a trunnion over the deck stiffener, and insert one or more standard bolts through the trunnion, the deck stiffener and through the skateboard deck. The user can then place a base plate underneath the deck of the skateboard (the baseplate includes one or more holes for receiving the standard bolts) and use standard nuts to fastener the assembly together. The user can then attach a spindle to the unmounted front truck, again using standard fastener means such as bolts and nuts. The user can then insert the spindle through the trunnion slot and utilize bearings (on one or both ends of the trunnion slot, though it is preferred to use bearings at both ends) to allow the spindle to rotate freely within the trunnion slot. The user can then add the functional handlebar by utilizing a standard handlebar mounting clamp to fasten a rotatable handlebar to the upper end of the spindle.

Alternative methodologies may omit or simplify one or more of the steps described above. For example, a user may convert a skateboard to add a functional handlebar without utilizing a deck stiffener and/or without utilizing a baseplate.

As will be apparent, the conversion methodology described herein may be reversed, or essentially reversed, to remove the functional handlebar in order to return the rolling-board to its original configuration as a standard skateboard. Thus, the herein disclosed apparatus provides a conversion or adaption that is fully reversible.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

No applicable.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various rolling-boards are known and available for exercising various types of board sports. Two types of rolling-boards that are very common are skateboards and scooters. A skateboard, which in certain embodiments may alternatively be referred to as a longboard, includes a deck to provide standing room for a user supported by two wheel assemblies—a first wheel assembly attached to the front end of the deck by a front trucking system and a second wheel assembly attached to the rear end of the deck by a rear trucking system. A scooter can differ from a skateboard in various ways, but in general the difference is that a scooter includes a functional handlebar that provides additional support for the user and receives rotational input force from the user to direct the motion of the moving rolling-board.

When using a skateboard at high speeds, speed wobble occurs causing a severe lack of stability for the user. When encountering rough riding surfaces, the user may also experience a lack of stability. On a skateboard, the user must utilize his or her body weight, position, and foot articulation to control and steer the skateboard. The addition of a handlebar improves the stability of a rolling-board by allowing the user to stabilize his or herself during high speeds and allowing for a more naturally intuitive steering process through the use of a rotating handlebar. An additional benefit is that because a skateboard generally has four wheels, an adapted skateboard with an added handlebar retains the four wheels and thus inherently provides more stability to a user than a standard scooter which normally has only two wheels.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide an apparatus to simply and straightforwardly convert a standard skateboard into a more stable handlebar-having scooter using an off the shelf handlebar. The herein disclosed apparatus can be utilized to provide such a device by reversibly adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional scooter-style handlebar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a general overview of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of a trunnion, a component of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top-down view of a trunnion, a component of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of a trunnion, a component of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of a trunnion, a component of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of a spindle, a component of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top-down view of a spindle, a component of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of a spindle, a component of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional scooter-style handlebar. Through the utilization of the components described herein, a user may convert any standard skateboard to a rolling-board device having a functional handlebar that is capable of receiving rotational force from the user to impact directional motion of the moving rolling-board device.

The phrase standard skateboard is used throughout this specification to refer to a widely-available and widely-utilized type of rolling-board that includes a deck, a front truck mounting system and a rear truck mounting system. Truck mounting systems are generally available in two types, a type with top mount systems or another type with drop through mounting systems. The present apparatus can be advantageously used with either standard type of truck mounting system. The term rolling-board is utilized throughout the specification to refer generally to any type of rolling-board device, including either a skateboard or a scooter having a handlebar. The term rolling-board is utilized to avoid or minimize confusion over reference to a device converting between a standard skateboard and a scooter-style board having a functional and rotatable handlebar.

Referring to FIG. 1, a generally overview of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar is shown from an isometric view. The standard skateboard components include deck 101, front truck 104, and various fasteners 102. Handlebar 103 may be functionally added to a standard skateboard through the use of the various components disclosed herein, including trunnion 210, spindle 310, deck stiffener 110, and base plate 120. As will be more fully explained, deck stiffener 110 and base plate 120 are optional components that are intended to improve the performance of a rolling-board adapted to add a functional scooter-style handlebar.

An exemplary methodology for converting a skateboard to add functional scooter-style handlebar 103 will now be described. A first step may involve a user unmounting front truck 104 from deck 101. A second step may involve the user placing deck stiffener 110 onto deck 101 and trunnion 210 over deck stiffener 110, and inserting one or more fasteners 102 through trunnion 210, deck stiffener 110 and through skateboard deck 101. A third step may involve the user placing base plate 120 underneath deck 101 (baseplate 120 includes one or more holes for receiving the standard bolts or other fasteners) and using fasteners, such as standard nuts, to fasten the assembly together. A fourth step may involve the user attaching spindle 310 to the unmounted front truck 104, again using standard fastener means such as bolts and nuts. A fifth step may involve the user inserting spindle 310 through trunnion 210 (more specifically, through trunnion slot 213, see FIG. 2A through FIG. 2D) and utilizing bearings (on one or both ends of trunnion slot 213, though it is preferred to use bearings at both ends) to allow spindle 310 to rotate freely within trunnion slot 213. The user can then add a functional handlebar by utilizing a standard handlebar mounting clamp to fasten rotatable handlebar 103 to the upper end of spindle 310. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the steps recited herein may be undertaken in alternative orders, or with one or more steps omitted, without deviating from the intended purpose of adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, and all such alternative methods are intended to be included herein.

Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, various detailed views of trunnion 210 are shown. Trunnion 210 includes trunnion flange 211 forming one or more holes 214 for receiving mounting fasteners (such as bolts, for example) to removably attach trunnion 210 to deck 101. Trunnion 210 further includes protruding neck 212 protruding from trunnion flange 211 and forming trunnion slot 213 at the distal end of protruding neck 212.

Trunnion slot 213 is formed with a size to allow spindle 310 (see FIG. 1. and FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C) to fit within trunnion slot 213 while allowing spindle 310 to spin or rotate freely. Trunnion slot 213 may have one or more bearings to facilitate the free rotation of spindle 310. A preferred embodiment utilizes a first bearing at a lower opening of trunnion slot 213 and a second bearing at an upper opening of trunnion slot 213.

Protruding neck 212 may have any length and/or any shape provided that protruding neck 212 is of sufficient length to extend from trunnion flange 211 to a point beyond the end of (or front of) deck 101 so that handlebar 103 is attached at a point beyond the end of (or front of) deck 101. See FIG. 1 illustrating the handlebar-trunnion-spindle-truck assembly positioned beyond the end of deck 101.

Trunnion 210 may be formed of any material that is sufficiently rigid so as to provide a stable overall assembly. In a preferred embodiment, trunnion 210 is formed of either steel or an aluminum alloy and is manufactured by machining a stock material or by casting.

Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, various detailed views of spindle 310 are shown. Spindle 310 includes cylindrical protrusion 313 protruding from spindle flange 311. Cylindrical protrusion 313 is formed with a size to allow cylindrical protrusion 313 to fit within trunnion slot 213 while allowing spindle 310 to spin or rotate freely therein. Cylindrical protrusion 313 may form structure or shaping (such as threading, for example) at its distal end adapted for attachment to a handlebar clamp. Spindle flange 311 may form one or more holes 314 for receiving truck fasteners, such as truck bolts, to removably attach spindle 311 to front truck 104.

In its most simplistic configuration, the present invention may include minimum components such as a trunnion, a spindle, and a handlebar. But other alternative embodiments may include one or more additional components. A preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a handlebar further includes deck stiffener 110 and/or base plate 120. Deck stiffener 110 can be used to stabilize and reinforce an upper surface of the deck of the rolling-board during use, while base plate 120 can be used to stabilize and reinforce a lower surface of the deck of the rolling-board during use.

It is preferred to utilize both deck stiffener 110 and base plate 120 because the addition of trunnion 210 to a standard skateboard can apply increased force to deck 101 which may cause deck 101 to snap or otherwise degrade during use. Through experimentation, the issue of increased force causing degradation of deck 101 is found to be especially problematic for very long rolling-boards or rolling-boards of low quality. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes both deck stiffener 110 and base plate 120, though those skilled in the art will recognize that either deck stiffener 110 or base plate 120 may be utilized independently to incrementally improve performance.

Deck stiffener 110 may be formed of various materials, including plastic, metals, and/or composites. Deck stiffener 110 may be manufactured by cutting the intended shape from a sheet material with a router and then drilling one or more holes. Base plate 120 may be formed of any metal stock, such as aluminum for example. Base plate 120 may be manufactured through CNC milling processes to mill the base plate from stock material.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described herein in terms of a preferred embodiment and several alternatives, it is to be understood that the devices, apparatus, and methods described herein can have a multitude of additional uses and applications. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited to just the particular description and various drawing figures contained in this specification that merely illustrate a preferred embodiment and application of the principles of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar, comprising: a handlebar for stabilizing a user's balance and for receiving directional input from the user; a trunnion for attaching to a deck of the skateboard, wherein the trunnion includes a protruding neck forming a trunnion slot for receiving a spindle and a trunnion flange for receiving one or more mounting bolts; and the spindle for passing through the trunnion and attaching to the handlebar by a handlebar clamp, wherein the spindle includes a cylindrical protrusion and a spindle flange for receiving one or more truck bolts.
 2. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, further comprising a desk stiffener for reinforcing an upper surface of the deck.
 3. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, further comprising a base plate for reinforcing a lower surface of the deck.
 4. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, further comprising a desk stiffener for reinforcing an upper surface of the deck and a base plate for reinforcing a lower surface of the deck.
 5. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, wherein the spindle is sized to allow the spindle to rotate freely within the trunnion slot.
 6. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 5, further comprising one or more bearings for facilitating rotational movement of the spindle within the trunnion slot.
 7. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or more bearings for facilitating rotational movement of the spindle within the trunnion slot.
 8. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, wherein the protruding neck of the trunnion extends beyond an end of the deck.
 9. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, wherein the protruding neck of the trunnion extends beyond an end of the deck so that the handlebar is attached at a point beyond the end of the deck.
 10. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 1, wherein the trunnion is formed of a material selected form the group consisting of steel and aluminum alloy.
 11. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 10, wherein the trunnion is manufactured by machining.
 12. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 10, wherein the trunnion is manufactured by casting.
 13. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 10, wherein the spindle is manufactured by welding a tube to a plate.
 14. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 2, wherein the deck stiffener is formed of a material selected form the group consisting of plastic, metal, and composite.
 15. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 14, wherein the deck stiffener is manufactured by cutting from a sheet material and drilling one or more ones.
 16. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 3, wherein the base plate is formed of aluminum.
 17. The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in claim 16, wherein the base plate is manufactured by milling with a CNC milling system.
 18. An apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, comprising: a handlebar for stabilizing a user's balance and for receiving directional input from the user; a trunnion for attaching to a deck of the standard skateboard, wherein the trunnion includes a protruding neck forming a trunnion slot for receiving a spindle, a trunnion flange for receiving one or more mounting bolts, and one or more bearing for facilitating the spindle rotating freely within the trunnion slot; the spindle for passing through the trunnion and attaching to the handlebar by a handlebar clamp, wherein the spindle includes a cylindrical protrusion and a spindle flange for receiving one or more truck bolts; a deck stiffener for reinforcing an upper surface of the deck of the standard skateboard; and a base plate for reinforcing a lower surface of the deck of the standard skateboard; wherein the protruding neck of the trunnion extends beyond an end of the deck so that the handlebar is attached at a point beyond the end of the deck. 